From: Alex Hall [alex@canoearctic.com]
Sent: December 2, 2008 5:32 PM
To: lpayette@nirb.ca
Cc: Strahl.C@parl.gc.ca; DShewchuk@gov.nu.ca; Prentice.J@parl.gc.ca
Subject: Uravan Garry Lake Project, NIRB File 08EN037

   
    Please convey to the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) my opposition to Uravan's proposal for uranium exploration and development on the calving grounds of the Beverly Caribou Herd in Nunavut. The NIRB is, of course, aware that on Monday, December 1, a number of newspapers across Canada, including The Globe & Mail, carried the Canadian Press story about the collapse of the Beverly herd. The Board should also be aware that some mining companies operating in the Barren Lands---De Beers, Comeco, Areva---have seen the writing on the wall and have declared they will not explore for minerals within any of the traditional calving grounds of the major caribou herds. If the NIRB accepts Uravan's proposal, it will surely invite the wrath of not only the newspapers, but that of Canadians right across the length and breadth of this land.

    When George Bush attempted to give the oil companies access to the calving grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd in Alaska, he ignited one of the greatest conservation crusades his country has ever seen. And there were widespread protests from Canadians, as well, including many from northern Aboriginal Canadians who depend on the Porcupine herd for food. If the NIRB accepts Uravan's proposal, I fear the NIRB will unleash a firestorm that will quickly spread out of its control. I urge the NIRB to do the right thing and the sensible thing by saying no to Uravan.

    Alex Hall
    Canoe Arctic Inc.
    Fort Smith, NWT